alien landings in the lake district?

Lake tahoe > Alien landings in the Lake District?

Alien landings in the Lake District?

by: Peter Scott

News that the latest space probe has discovered a discarded Kendal Mint Cake wrapper on the surface of Mars, and, what appears to be an alien space-craft seen landing on Skiddaw and discharging small people armed with cameras, confirms once and for all that Cumbria and the Lake District is probably the most popular visitor location in the Universe.

Not only is the spectacular scenery and hospitality a tourist attraction, but an added allure is the sense of
mystery, secrecy and maybe a touch of disbelief surrounding many of the region?s venues. A century or so ago, travelers wishing to cross Lake Windermere between Ferry Nab and Sawrey on the opposite shore used the services of a boatman and his small rowing-boat. One particularly stormy night, a voice was heard to call for transport from the wooded slopes of Claiffe Heights on the Sawrey side of the water. The boatman duly set off to collect what he assumed was a passenger, but, disappeared en-route. Later on the following day, the boatman was found laying on the lake shore, incoherent and in deep shock. He died shortly afterwards. Thus was established the legend of the ?Crier of Claiffe?.

Moving a few miles south to the village of Natland, near Kendal, the visitor is faced by the sticky problem of unraveling the riddle of the Treacle Mines whose exact location, has, over the centuries, remained a closely guarded secret known only to a few of the village elders.

Sadly, researchers can no longer enlist the assistance of the notable, but long dead Scots born wizard, Michael Scott. Scott is credited with casting a spell on a coven of witches and turning them into the stones which now constitute the circle of ?Long Meg? near Penrith. Folklore states that if a visitor can count the number of stones twice, and arrive at the same total each time, then the spell will be broken. However, be warned; any attempt to dislodge the stones will invoke a weather storm of cataclysmic power.

This area is rich in Arthurian Legend. One account recounts the episode where Arthur and his nephew joined forces to outwit the scheming Grim Baron. Their quest, set by the Baron, to search the true answer to the question ?what does a woman desire? makes entertaining reading. And, what of the mystery of the Giants Grave found in the churchyard of Penrith?s St. Andrews Church?

Leaving Penrith behind and continuing north to the region?s capital, Carlisle, we find the ?Cursing Stone? standing in the entrance of a pedestrian underpass not too far from the ancient castle. This 14 tons of recently sculpted stone bears the 1069 words of a 16thC curse chiseled into the surface. The curse concludes by condemning the marauding Border Reivers of the age to ?the deep pit of Hell?. Recently, there have been calls for the stone?s removal from the city by some who believe that its presence brings ill-fortune.

On a lighter note, a visit to the beautiful but uncompromising stretch of Wastwater may reveal the position of the underwater gnome garden. This is an area where, with a little imagination, the inspiring setting will transport you on any journey of your choice to a world of magic and mystery.

These are but a few of the many tales, fanciful or otherwise, which have enchanted generations over the centuries. There is nothing to compare (in my opinion) to a good yarn told over a drink in a log-fired pub amongst friends, old and new.

Incidentally, did I really see a 3 legged dog, wearing a life-jacket on the shores of Lake Windermere one morning, and was it wearing a space-helmet?

About The Author

Peter Scott was born and bred in The English Lake District.

After a successful career as an aircraft engineer, Peter and his son, David, run a website promoting all aspects of The Lake District with their new website: http://www.wordsworthcountry.com.

What Makes Zambia Safari Unique?

by: Enestle zimba

Zambia is Africa's best kept secret. It is the sleeping giant of African safari. It's also the friendly people and the peace the country safeguards and continues to enjoy. That's what makes the country a haven of peace for refuges from civil strive. …And Zambia is the hub of African travel.

Zambia is located in south central Africa with eight neighbouring countries. There are 19 national parks and 34 game management areas. Thus a whopping 30 percent of the country's 752,614 sq kms. The country has the largest water resources in southern Africa. There are large empty tracts of land in pristine state and a large wildlife estate. Zambia's unique natural resources include minerals such as copper, precious stones and lumber; both native hard wood and soft exotic pinewood timber.

The National Parks

Of the 19 national parks South Luangwa is Zambia's premier game reserve. The South...

What Makes Zambia Safari Unique?

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Hello from Rochester: The CAT - An Awesome Beast

Hello from Rochester: The CAT - An Awesome Beast

by: Susanne Pacher

For a while now I have been dreaming of taking the recently re-introduced high-speed ferry service from Toronto to Rochester. The ferry service briefly ran last year, introduced by a group of private investors, but stopped running after a few weeks due to financial difficulties. It was reintroduced this year after the City of Rochester purchased the ferry at an auction and contracted an experienced ferry service based out of Nova Scotia to run it.

North America's newest CAT fast ferry is an amazing vessel. Built in Australia in 2003, it made its way around the globe to its new home on Lake Ontario in 2005. It's as long as a football field and can also reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers or 52 miles an hour. The CAT can carry up to 774 passengers and 220 cars, and is one of the fastest and largest car ferries in North America.

It's a sharp-looking ship and its aerodynamic...

Hello from Rochester: The CAT - An Awesome Beast

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Choose The Perfect Fishing Trip Destination

Choose The Perfect Fishing Trip Destination

by: Sintilia Miecevole

One of the first things you must do to plan a great fishing trip is to identify your priorities. You need to be more specific than just saying you want great fishing. Great fishing may mean different things to each person in your fishing party.

One person might be happy with catching 20 fish per day, while another might be expecting 30 fish per hour. So, you need to decide this up front.

Let's take a look at some of the most important things to consider when deciding where to go on your fishing trip.

What type of fish do you want to catch?

While this may seem obvious, it is something that needs to be discussed. One person may want to fish for walleye and northern pike, while others may want to go bass fishing. Since many northern lakes have water too cold for bass, you may end up at a lake that would really disappoint the bass fisherman.

Do you want...

Choose The Perfect Fishing Trip Destination

Lake tahoe > Choose The Perfect Fishing Trip Destination

Choose The Perfect Fishing Trip Destination

Choose The Perfect Fishing Trip Destination

by: Sintilia Miecevole

One person might be happy with catching 20 fish per day, while another might be expecting 30 fish per hour. So, you need to decide this up front.

Let's take a look at some of the most important things to consider when deciding where to go on your fishing trip.

What type of fish do you want to catch?

Do you want...

Choose The Perfect Fishing Trip Destination

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Last Minute Festive Packages From Superbreak

Last Minute Festive Packages From Superbreak

by: Michael Hanna

Why not let someone else worry about Christmas and New Year this year and book a last minute stay in a hotel over the festive period. Forget about buying the food, cooking the dinner, washing it up or organising the New Year party - just relax and concentrate on spending time with your loved ones. It?s not too late to down tools ? short break specialist Superbreak still has availability for those wanting a real rest this year. From a candlelit dinner for two to a trip to the local pantomime there is something for everyone.

Examples include:

CHRISTMAS - Three nights in the Lake District - ?375 per adult, ?105 per child - Arrive at the four star North Lakes Hotel Penrith on Christmas Eve for a three night break in the Lake District. The package includes mulled wine and music by the Salvation Army on Christmas Eve followed by a candlelit dinner, traditional Christmas lunch starting...

Last Minute Festive Packages From Superbreak

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Srinagar? City of Dal Lake

by: Aadil Mukhtar

If you've longed for the delights of a houseboat holiday, now is the time to try one out.

Srinagar is a unique city because of its lakes - the Dal, Nigeen and Anchar. The River Jehlum also flows through a part of the city.

The Dal, Srinagar's largest lake, has the most number of houseboats, followed by the Nigeen and the Jehlum.

As a general rule, houseboats in the Dal are of all categories, from deluxe through to D class, while those in the Nigeen are largely luxury class and those in the Jehlum largely economy class. This, however, is a generalization.

Most houseboats on the Nigeen and the Jehlum are situated on the banks of the lake, and can be accessed directly from land without the help of a shikara, while all those on the Dal require a shikara to get to and from them.

Most houseboats on the Dal are situated in long straggling rows; some face the Boulevard, Srinagar's most...

Srinagar? City of Dal Lake

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Winning Jackpot Stories

Winning Jackpot Stories

by: Gayle Mitchell

If you are looking for the true ?dream makers?, that award goes to the ever-increasing progressive jackpots.

I have compiled some of these Winning Stories to brighten your dreams tonight.

It's Magic

Celeste has worked for years in the family's equipment rental business and recently sold the company.

Six months ago, her mother gave her a lucky pendant and she is certain she is responsible for the win.

In addition, her father gave her a $100 bill for the trip and told her to use that money to buy chips for herself.

Therefore, he's now positive that his $100 gift is responsible for her new fortune. Celeste was so touched by what her father said after hearing of her win. He said, "Celeste, you've always done for others, now you can do for yourself."

Let's back up a bit while Celeste McCormick of Albany, GA tells her story:

"It was one of those magical nights when...

Winning Jackpot Stories

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